North and Southern India

This all-encompassing trip takes in the highlights of India, both south and north, and reveals some wonderful secrets too. Revel in the tropical climate, the food, the aromatic spices, the warm waters and the lush green landscapes of the south.

Be dazzled by the kaleidoscopic colours, the Mughal grandeur, the spiritual mysteries and powerful Rajput heritage of the north. Travel from Kochi to Delhi and combine the slower delights of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with the rush and jumble of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Itinerary / Highlights

Days 1-2 Kochi
Discover the islands, see the Dutch renovation of Mattancherry Palace and attend a Kathakali dance performance.

Day 3 Kerala Backwaters Homestay
Enjoy a homestay and some superb traditional home cooking.

Days 4-5 Periyar National Park
Search for wild elephants and explore an aromatic spice garden.

Day 6 Madurai
Come down from the hills to explore Sri Meenakshi Temple.

Day 7 Pondicherry
Enjoy the air of Gallic history in the old French colony of 'Pondy'.

Days 8-9 Mamallapuram
Cycle to the Shore Temple where exceptional carvings remain.

Day 10 Mysore
Visit the Mysore Palace to see the illuminated stained glass. Offer puja at the Durga temple on Chamundi Hill.

Day 11 Masinagudi
Go on safari and stay in a charming jungle retreat.

Days 12-13 Ootacamund
Learn the art of a great tea brew.

Days 14-16 Kochi/ Delhi
Return to Kochi and fly to chaotic Delhi for a tour through the streets of the old city.

Day 17 Agra
Be enchanted by the iconic Taj Mahal and majestic Red Fort.

Day 18 Rural Rajasthan Heritage Stay
Meet villagers and local craftspeople then slumber in a converted fort.

Days 19-20 Jaipur
Discover the Pink City and the halls of the Amber Fort.

Day 21 Ranthambhore National Park
Search for tigers among the lakes and ruined palaces.

Day 22 Bundi
See the murals of Bundi.

Days 23-24 Bijaipur
Stay in a fortified mansion and visit tiny villages.

Days 25-26 Udaipur
Check out one of the largest royal palaces in India.

Days 27-28 Pushkar
With hardly any traffic, Pushkar is a pleasant stopover. Plod through the desert on camelback.

Day 29 Delhi
Return to the tumult of Delhi.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Hotels/guesthouses (24 nts), luxury camping (1 nt), village stay (1 nt), overnight trains (2 nts)